Tricycle vehicle

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a tricycle vehicle, particularly designed to carry heavy loads, especially useful in delivery services, but also as a simple means of transport, with or without additional cargo. It is specifically a motorized tricycle vehicle, particularly an electric one. Technical background

[0002] In the world of cycling, two-wheeled vehicles like scooters are already well-known and appreciated for their comfortable riding position. However, they can be unsuitable for transporting heavy loads, particularly due to a lack of stability, whether moving or stationary. To improve stability, three-wheeled vehicles, or tricycles, are often used. However, these present maneuverability challenges, especially regarding turning radius.

[0003] Tricycles with a pair of wheels at the front have been developed and are now commonly used due to their good maneuverability. However, their stability is less than that of a classic tricycle with a pair of wheels at the rear.

[0004] To improve stability and safety, the front section of conventional tricycles with a pair of rear wheels can tilt relative to the rear section bearing the load, particularly when turning, to prevent the load from causing the vehicle to tip over completely and fall. This can be achieved, for example, by a pendulum system allowing articulation between the front and rear of the vehicle.

[0005] However, for vehicles carrying very heavy and / or bulky loads, for example, loads exceeding 100 kg, existing tilting systems are insufficient to ensure safe driving. In particular, they do not allow for easy obstacle clearance or travel on uneven surfaces.

[0006] The invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0007] Document FR3020334A1 shows the preamble of claim 1. Summary of the invention

[0008] Thus, the invention relates to a tricycle vehicle comprising a rear assembly, said assembly comprising a support frame, linked to two wheels of said vehicle, and a chassis of a load, said vehicle further comprising a frame configured to allow the installation of a driver of said vehicle, said frame being articulated in rotation about an axis of articulation relative to said chassis so as to allow a tilting of the frame relative to said rear assembly in the direction of the roadway on either side of a vertical position, said support frame being articulated on said chassis by a ball joint so as to allow a simultaneous lifting of both wheels or a lifting of only one of said wheels, depending on the obstacles encountered.

[0009] This results in a vehicle with good stability thanks to its tricycle design and good maneuverability due to the tilting of the frame relative to the rear assembly.

[0010] Furthermore, the ball joint between the support frame attached to the wheels and the chassis allows movement of the support frame relative to the chassis.

[0011] Thus, the movement allowed by this ball joint located between the support frame linked to the wheels and the chassis ensures that only the support frame part of the crew undergoes a displacement due to obstacles encountered.

[0012] The vehicle can thus adapt to the terrain on which it travels, in particular to the obstacles to be overcome.

[0013] Indeed, the fact that the two wheels can lift and that this lifting is isolated from the chassis and therefore from the rest of the rear assembly, allows the crossing of obstacles without the entire rear assembly feeling too much jolting.

[0014] Furthermore, thanks to the use of said ball joint, the degrees of freedom offered to this movement will allow the wheels to lift simultaneously, to cross an obstacle crossing the roadway, and independently of each other, to cross an obstacle alongside the roadway such as a bench or a curb.

[0015] According to the invention, the rear assembly comprises a rigid bar connecting a first attachment point located on the support frame and a second opposite attachment point located on the chassis.

[0016] According to different embodiments of the invention, which may be considered together or separately: The ball joint connection is achieved via a silent block; the first fixing point is located near a fixing area of ​​one of the two wheels; the rigid bar is fixed to the support frame via a silent block; the rigid bar is fixed to the chassis via a silent block; the rigid bar is fixed to both the support frame and the chassis via a silent block; the rigid bar is a Panhard rod; the vehicle, in particular the rear assembly, includes a suspension system between the support frame and the chassis; the suspension system is a passive system; the suspension system includes at least one shock absorber; the suspension system includes two such shock absorbers; the shock absorbers form an angle with respect to the vertical; each shock absorber is connected to one end of a rigid axle supporting the wheels; the rear assembly includes an anti-roll bar.The anti-roll bar is fixed to each end of the rigid axle. The anti-roll bar is connected to the chassis so that it can work in torsion when only one of the wheels lifts. The support frame is U-shaped, comprising two arms extending from a central section connecting the two arms to a free opposite end. The ball joint is located on the central section. Each arm supports one end of the rigid axle. The support frame supports a powertrain. The powertrain comprises an electric motor, which is located at the front or rear of a rear axle of the vehicle. Brief description of the figures

[0017] The invention will be better understood, and other features and advantages thereof will become apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, of at least one embodiment of the invention given by way of purely illustrative and non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which: there figure 1 is a side view of an example embodiment of the tricycle according to the invention; the figure 2 is a rear view of an example embodiment of the tricycle according to the invention, schematically illustrating the tilting of the frame relative to the rear assembly of said tricycle; the figure 3 is a rear perspective view illustrating an example of the realization of part of a rear assembly of the tricycle of the figure 1 ; there figure 4 is a top view of the figure 3 ; there figure 5is a perspective view illustrating an example of the construction of a support frame and chassis for the rear crew of the vehicle. figure 1 ; there figure 6 is a rear view illustrating an example of the implementation of the figure 3 in resting position; the figure 7 is a rear view illustrating an example of the implementation of the figure 3 on a slope. Detailed description of the invention

[0018] As illustrated in the figure 1 , the invention relates to a tricycle vehicle 1 comprising a rear crew 2 and a frame 4 configured to allow the installation of a driver, not illustrated, of said vehicle 1.

[0019] The said frame 4 includes, for example, a frame 6 on which are attached a saddle 8 and a front assembly 10.

[0020] The front assembly 10 comprises a steering fork 12, handlebars 14, and a front wheel 16. The steering fork 12 is pivotally mounted on the frame 4 to allow the front wheel 16 to be steered left or right. The handlebars 14 are connected to the fork 12 to allow the rider to steer them. The front wheel 16 is free to rotate relative to an axle 18 linked to the fork 12. Said front wheel 16 is equipped with a braking system 20, here a disc brake, actuated from the handlebar 14. Said front assembly 10 further includes a front suspension system 22 allowing the transmission to the handlebar 14 and the frame 6 to absorb shocks absorbed by the front wheel 16. This consists, for example, of hydraulic cylinders mounted between the arms of the fork 12 and the axle 18 of the front wheel 16.

[0021] The frame 4 may also include a storage compartment 26. It is located under the seat 8, which is designed to pivot to provide top access to said compartment 26. It is configured to serve as storage for items that the rider needs or wishes to have within easy reach, such as a helmet, first aid kit, manuals, or other items. This compartment 26 is advantageously attached to the frame 6.

[0022] The said frame 4 may also include various bodywork parts, such as a bodywork 28 partially concealing the steering fork 12 and / or a footrest 30. The said bodywork parts are advantageously fixed to the said frame 6.

[0023] The frame 6 preferably has a configuration that allows the vehicle 1 to resemble a scooter, that is, allowing the rider to rest their feet in a free space in front of their torso rather than on pedals located on either side of the frame 4. The frame 6 thus has two parallel base arms 32 in a substantially horizontal plane. These base arms 32 support the footrest 30. The frame 6 further includes a rear arch 34, connecting one end of the base arms 32 and / or supporting, in particular, the seat 8. It also includes a front arch 36, connecting the other end of the base arms 32. The front assembly 10 is articulated, for example, on the front arch 36.Advantageously, the rear assembly 2 is equipped with a powertrain 38 of the vehicle 1 driving two rear wheels 40, located at a rigid rear axle 39. By providing a pair of wheels at the rear, a tricycle with favorable stability is obtained.

[0024] Furthermore, as is particularly illustrated by the figure 2 said frame 4 is rotationally articulated relative to said rear assembly 2 so as to allow the frame 4 to tilt relative to said rear assembly 2 towards the roadway on either side of a vertical position, as indicated by arrow 41. In other words, said frame 4 can tilt around an articulation axis 42, visible figure 1supported by the median plane of the rear wheels. In other words, while the rear assembly 2 remains horizontal, meaning that both rear wheels remain in contact with the road, the frame 4 can tilt, under the effect of an impulse given by the driver, to the right or to the left. Such pivoting gives good maneuverability to the vehicle 1, in particular by allowing the driver to turn without having to turn the handlebars 14 or at least with minimal turning.

[0025] To the figure 2 On the left, we see a leftward tilt of frame 4, allowing for left turns, and on the right, a rightward tilt, allowing for right turns. Although it is a tricycle, the rider can thus experience sensations similar to riding a two-wheeler. This tilt angle is limited, for example, to 30°.

[0026] For this purpose, the said vehicle includes here a tilting articulation 58, illustrated figure 1 Advantageously, said tilting joint 58 comprises, for example, a first part or shaft 60, linked to the rear assembly 2 and a second part or bearing (not visible), linked to the frame 4, said bearing being articulated in rotation about said shaft 60. Said shaft 60 and / or said bearing are thus oriented along said articulation axis 42.

[0027] An example of such a tilting 58 joint is described in document FR3020335B1.

[0028] According to the invention, as illustrated in figures 3 to 5The rear assembly 2 comprises a support frame 44 linked to the two wheels of the vehicle 1, and a chassis 46 of a load. The frame 4 is rotationally articulated about the articulation axis relative to the chassis 46 so as to allow the frame 4 to tilt relative to the rear assembly 2 towards the roadway on either side of a vertical position.

[0029] The support frame 44 has, for example, a U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped profile, comprising two arms 44a extending from a central portion 44b connecting the two arms 44a to a free opposite end 44c. Said central portion 44b is here trapezoidal in shape and / or said arms 44a are parallel to each other.

[0030] Advantageously, the powertrain 38 is supported by the support frame 44, which gives the vehicle 1 a particularly low center of gravity. The powertrain 38 is housed between the two arms 44a of the support frame 44. Each arm 44a supports one end of the rear axle 39. The rear axle 39 thus extends perpendicularly from one arm 44a to the other.

[0031] Furthermore, the chassis 46 is advantageously suspended relative to the support frame 44 by means of a suspension system. The transmission of shocks is thus dampened.

[0032] The chassis 46 includes a load-bearing platform 50. This support platform 50 is configured to accommodate, for example, a storage box 52. This load is intended to exceed 100 kg, or even 150 kg. In the case of applications in the field of mail distribution, the storage box 52 is intended to contain mail and / or parcels.

[0033] The said support platform 50 is located, for example, at the right of the said powertrain 38, above a rear wheel arch 40. To accommodate such a load, the rear assembly has a track width greater than 800 mm, or even 900 mm, the track width being defined as the distance between the centers of the contact areas of the wheels of the same axle, measured with the vehicle empty.

[0034] According to the invention, said support frame 44 is articulated on said chassis 46 by a ball joint 56 so as to allow a simultaneous lifting of both wheels or a lifting of only one of said wheels 40, depending on the obstacles encountered.

[0035] The ball joint 56 allows not only the movement of the support frame 44 up and down around an axis perpendicular to the tilting plane, mentioned above, but also its rotation around a longitudinal axis X extending from the front of the vehicle 1 to the rear.

[0036] We thus have a vehicle 1 which has good stability thanks to its tricycle nature and good maneuverability by tilting the frame 4 relative to the rear assembly 2.

[0037] Furthermore, the ball joint 56 between the support frame 44 linked to the wheels 40 and the chassis 46 allows numerous movements of the support frame 44 relative to the chassis 46.

[0038] First, the movement permitted by this linkage 56, located between the support frame 44 connected to the wheels 40 and the chassis 46, ensures that only the support frame 44 is affected by obstacles encountered. The fact that this lifting is isolated from the chassis 46, and therefore from the rest of the rear assembly 2, allows obstacles to be crossed without the entire rear assembly 2 experiencing excessive shocks. Furthermore, the fact that the two wheels 40 can lift simultaneously or independently, depending on the obstacles encountered, thanks to the choice of a ball joint, allows good contact with the road surface to be maintained while limiting the stress on the support frame 44.

[0039] Vehicle 1 can thus adapt to the terrain on which it travels, in particular to the obstacles to be overcome, while maintaining robust chassis.

[0040] The ball joint 56 is located, in particular, between said powertrain 38, in particular the rear axle 39 of said rear assembly 2, and the tilting joint 58.

[0041] As illustrated figure 5 The chassis 46 comprises cross members with different orientations, giving it a cage-like configuration. The ball joint 56 and the articulation 58 are respectively mounted on two of these cross members, referred to as articulation cross members. These articulation cross members are spaced apart along the X direction. They are parallel to each other and / or located substantially in the same horizontal plane.

[0042] The ball joint 56 is obtained here by means of a silent block whose elasticity allows the movement of the support frame 44 up and down, around an axis perpendicular to the tilting plane, mentioned above, and its rotation around the longitudinal axis X. The silent block is located between the support frame 44 and the chassis 46, at the level of the central portion of the support frame 44, preferably the said tilting plane.

[0043] The suspension system is located in particular at the rear of vehicle 1, specifically at the two rear wheels 40.

[0044] Advantageously, the suspension system of vehicle 1 illustrated here comprises two vertical shock absorbers 62. Preferably, these are hydraulic shock absorbers 62 coupled to a helical spring 64.

[0045] Each of the shock absorbers 62 extends from a lower end connected to one of the ends of the rear axle 39 supporting the two wheels 40 to an upper end connected to the chassis 46, in particular to the load support platform 50.

[0046] The shock absorbers 62 keep the wheels of vehicle 1 in contact with the road and absorb rebounds. The shock absorbers 62 also limit various vibrations. Finally, the shock absorbers 62 also limit body roll and excessive swaying of vehicle 1.

[0047] Advantageously, the suspension system further includes an anti-roll bar 66 fixed to each end of the rear axle 39.

[0048] The anti-roll bar is a U-shaped metal bar located between the two rear wheels 40. Each end 66a of the anti-roll bar 66 is connected to one end of the rear axle 39, to which the vertical shock absorbers 62 are attached. The central section 66b is connected to the chassis 46 so that it works in torsion when the two shock absorbers are not subjected to the same deformation. This central section 66b of the anti-roll bar is, for example, oriented horizontally when unloaded. It is connected to the chassis 46 by one or more bearings, here two, fixed to a lower rear chassis rail 46. The anti-roll bar 66, also called a stabilizer bar or anti-roll bar, thus limits the lifting of one wheel relative to the other. In particular, it limits the body roll of the vehicle 1 and any potential camber of the vehicle 1, especially when cornering.Thus, the 66 anti-roll bar allows the suspension system to be stiffened mainly in turns, and not on an obstacle.

[0049] Advantageously, the anti-roll bar 66 has elasticity and thus forms a spring between the two wheels 40, thereby improving roll damping.

[0050] By elastically connecting the rear right and left wheels 40, the anti-roll bar 66 reduces the rolling phenomenon.

[0051] Advantageously, the rear assembly includes a rigid bar 68 connecting a first attachment point 70 located on the support frame 44 and a second opposite attachment point 72 located on the chassis 46.

[0052] Preferably, the first mounting point 70 is located near a mounting point of one of the two rear wheels 40, and the second mounting point 72 is located near a mounting point of the other of the two rear wheels 40. The rigid bar 68 can be attached, for example, to the support frame 44 and / or the chassis 46 by means of a rubber bushing. Here, both ends of the rigid bar 68 are secured by means of a rubber bushing 74.

[0053] Advantageously, the silent block 74 allows the rigid bar 68 to be held to the support frame 44 and / or the chassis 46 while absorbing shocks and vibrations and preventing them from being transmitted to the rest of the vehicle 1 ensuring driving comfort.

[0054] In the illustrated vehicle 1, the rigid bar 68 is a Panhard bar whose first attachment point 70 is located on a vertical plate 76 of the rear end of the support frame 44 and the second attachment point 72 is located on a vertical rod 78 of the rear end of the chassis 46, in particular a rod 78 linked to the longitudinal member carrying the bearings of the anti-roll bar.

[0055] The rigid bar 68, and more specifically the Panhard rod, stiffens the rear of the vehicle 1 and thus limits the rotation of the support frame 44 around a vertical axis permitted by the ball joint 56. As can be seen in the figure 7 , when the vehicle 1 crosses an obstacle at the level of a single rear wheel 40 (here the left rear wheel 40), the support frame 44 tilts from left to right, while the chassis 46 remains horizontal.

[0056] Furthermore, it is also observed that the chassis 46 pivots thanks to the ball joint 56 and exhibits an angular deviation from the rest position visible at the figure 6 .

[0057] Thus, the ball joint 56 allows an inclination of the support frame 44 around the X axis and an angular inclination around the Z axis which is limited, in particular by the rigid bar 68, here of Panhard, In order to reduce the roll, in particular in the presence of the rigid bar 68, preferably the shock absorbers 62 form an angle with respect to the vertical, in particular in projection on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal X axis.

[0058] The angle formed by the shock absorbers with respect to the vertical is between 5° and 10°, preferably around 7°.

[0059] In this way, the shock absorbers 62 can operate in accordance with the rigid bar 68 and its movement.

[0060] The said rear assembly 2 may also include braking systems 80 for the rear wheels 40, including disc brakes.

[0061] Vehicle 1 may also advantageously include a parking brake system, said system being configured to simultaneously block forward and / or backward movement of vehicle 1 and tipping.

[0062] The parking brake system is, for example, manually actuated using hydraulic and electrical control means. These hydraulic and electrical control means may include a lever, notably located on frame 4.

[0063] Advantageously, said frame 4 includes at least one stop, here two, said vehicle 1 being configured so that said frame 4 comes into contact with said rear assembly 2 via said stops during the tilting of said frame 4. These stops thus define a maximum tilting angle of said frame 4 relative to said rear assembly 2, respectively to the left and to the right. Thanks to this contact, the rear assembly 2 is also prevented from tilting, under the effect of centrifugal force, in a direction opposite to that of frame 4. The contact of the stops with the rear assembly 2 occurs here at a fixed angle, as mentioned above, for example, plus or minus 30°.

[0064] Preferably, the suspension system and / or the roll control system are so-called passive systems. A passive system is understood to be a system in which the dynamic movements of the vehicle 1, for example the relative movement of the support frame and the chassis and / or the roll of the front of the vehicle 1 relative to the rear assembly, are determined by the ground conditions and / or a movement of the driver's body and / or a speed and / or an acceleration of the vehicle 1.

[0065] A passive system is opposed to an active or semi-active system in which the dynamic movements of the vehicle 1 are controlled by at least one on-board system, generally complex, for example based on pumps and / or hydraulic distributors.

[0066] Advantageously, said powertrain 38 includes an engine 82 for driving vehicle 1. It is located here in front of the rear axle 39 of vehicle 1.

[0067] The aforementioned powertrain 38 is preferably, though not necessarily, electric. In other words, its motor is electric. It could be any type of electric motor, in particular any type of electric motor allowing variable speed control. For example, it could be a synchronous machine. This machine has a power output of, in particular, between 4 and 10 kW. Although an electric motor presents integration constraints within the type of tricycle according to the invention, it gives the vehicle 1 the advantage of being able to operate without consuming hydrocarbons.

[0068] In such a configuration, said powertrain 38 further includes, for example, an inverter allowing the motor to be powered from a direct current source and its speed to be varied.

[0069] The vehicle 1 also includes at least one power supply battery 84 for the powertrain 38. These are, for example, batteries with a voltage level greater than 20V, in particular 51V. The battery or batteries are, for example, of the LiFePO4 type.

[0070] Preferably, the battery or batteries 84 are carried by said chassis 46. In the illustrated example, the vehicle 1 includes several batteries 84 located in a housing 86 of the chassis 46 located directly behind the driver, between the powertrain 38 and the rear frame 34 supporting the seat 8.

[0071] The batteries 84 rest on the lower part of the chassis 46, that is, on a horizontal plane substantially similar to that of the powertrain 38. It has been observed that positioning the battery 84 on the rear assembly 2, particularly on its central and lower section, significantly improves the stability of the vehicle 1. Indeed, to power the powertrain, the battery assembly has a considerable weight, exceeding 30 kg, and even reaching 60 kg or 90 kg. Its positioning thus plays an important role in the stability of the vehicle 1. The positioning chosen above increases the inertia of the rear assembly 2 and prevents it from tipping over, especially when cornering, even at high speeds.This positioning also makes it possible to further improve the distribution of the vehicle's mass 1 in order to achieve good balance and maintain a low center of gravity, in particular without overloading the upper part of the chassis 46 on which the support platform 50 rests with the load to be transported.

[0072] The battery or batteries 84 may also be located partly between the two rear wheels 40 or suspended from said support platform 50, i.e. under said support platform 50, for example near its rear end.

[0073] Other variations of the invention are also possible. For example, the battery can be positioned, particularly on the support frame 44, in a front or rear overhang. It can thus be located either in front of or behind an axle of said rear assembly 2. This maintains a very low center of gravity for the rear assembly 2. Said chassis 46 is, for example, of the welded type. It too can be covered with trim elements 88 designed to conceal at least partially the battery or batteries 84, said support frame 44, and / or said powertrain 38.

[0074] Vehicle 1 may also include a charger, intended in particular for recharging the powertrain battery 84 when vehicle 1 is stationary. This charger is intended to be connected, in particular, to a domestic electrical network and / or a three-phase electrical network.

[0075] Furthermore, this powertrain can be configured to operate in regenerative braking mode. In other words, during braking, it can convert the torque delivered by the wheels into electrical current.

Claims

1. Tricycle vehicle (1) comprising a rear assembly (2), said assembly comprising a support frame (44) connected to two wheels (40) of said vehicle (1), and a chassis (46) of a load, said vehicle (1) further comprising a frame (4) configured to allow the installation of a driver of said vehicle (1), said frame (4) being articulated in rotation about a articulation axis relative to said chassis (46) so as to allow a tilting of the frame (4) relative to said rear assembly (2) towards the roadway on either side of a vertical position, characterized by said support frame (44) being articulated to said chassis (46) via a ball joint connection (56) so as to allow simultaneous lifting of both wheels or lifting of only one of said wheels (40), depending on obstacles encountered, the rear assembly comprising a rigid bar (68) connecting a first attachment point (70) located on the support frame (44) and an opposite second attachment point (72) located on the chassis (46).

2. Vehicle (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the rigid bar (68) is attached to the support frame (44) and / or to the chassis (46) via a silent block (74).

3. Vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rigid bar (68) is a Panhard rod.

4. Vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rear assembly is equipped with a suspension system between the support frame and the chassis, said suspension system comprising two shock absorbers (62), each of the shock absorbers (62) being connected to one of the two wheels (40).

5. Vehicle according to the preceding claim, wherein an anti-roll bar (66) is attached to each of the two shock absorbers (62).

6. Vehicle (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the anti-roll bar (66) is connected to the chassis (46) so as to be able to operate in torsion when only one of the wheels (40) rises.

7. Vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the shock absorbers (62) form an angle with respect to the vertical.

8. Vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame (44) is U-shaped, comprising two arms (44a) extending from a central portion (44b) which connects the two arms (44a) towards an opposite free end (44c), the ball joint connection (56) being located on the central portion (44b) and each of the arms (44a) carrying one of the two wheels (40).

9. Vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame comprises a propulsion unit (38) equipped with an electric motor (82).

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